“Brokenshire is not naive but I wonder why he continues to be optimistic that a deal can be done. He needs to get real and understand Sinn Fein’s game.

“While direct rule is not my preference, I believe the people of Northern Ireland will be better served by it at this time.”

Mr Wilson’s view was echoed by UUP health spokesperson Roy Beggs, who said it was “intolerable” that there is no health minister in place.

He added: “Some £200m is available to transform the health service, but without a minister in place that money cannot be drawn down.

“For the past six months decisions have been made that have put our health system back.

“If Sinn Fein is going to prevent an Executive from functioning, then there is no choice but for Westminster to intervene. We need to move to direct rule.”

Meanwhile, TUV leader Jim Allister also called for the Secretary of State to appoint direct rule ministers and legislate for a budget.

“Why postpone the inevitable,” he asked.

“Health cuts – despite a promised pot of money – and unaccountable drift under a Civil Service ‘cabinet’, bring into sharp focus that there is no room for game playing by the Secretary of State.

“It is disreputable and wrong to either use governmental paralysis as a lever to try and re-establish failed institutions or to put embarrassment over admitting failure of the rigged devolution project before bringing government to Northern Ireland.”

Alliance MLA David Ford said the cuts to the health service would have a “brutal impact” on people.

He added: “This is coming as a direct result of the failure of previous health ministers, from both the DUP and Sinn Fein, to tackle difficult issues and promote the necessary reforms.”

Claire Sugden MLA added: “These cuts cannot go ahead and we need an Assembly in place to ensure they don’t.”

A UK Government spokesperson said Mr Brokenshire had been “consistent” in calling for the parties to continue negotiations aimed at restoring devolution.

In a statement, the Northern Ireland Office added: “The Secretary of State has been clear that his focus is ensuring a power-sharing Executive is restored in NI. He has been consistent in his call for the parties to resume political talks.

“The UK Government has remained in contact with the parties over the summer with the aim of restoring devolution. We want to see the financial support for Northern Ireland decided upon and spent by a devolved government to benefit the whole community.”